Once Upon a River

by Diane Setterfield
Once Upon a River cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Magical Realism
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 3671
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780743298087
  • Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books
  • Published: 2019-07-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

On a dark midwinter's night at an ancient inn on the river Thames, a grievously wounded stranger arrives with the lifeless body of a small child. Miraculously, the child stirs and returns to life, leaving everyone bewildered. Is it a miracle, magic, or science? The mystery deepens as three families claim the child as their own, each with their own secrets and heartbreaking pasts. The child's identity becomes a puzzle that intertwines folklore, science, and magic, creating a rich tapestry of suspense and romance. /n/nThe novel is a profound exploration of how we explain the world and our lives in a universe that remains mysterious. It combines elements of folklore and science, magic and myth, to create a story that is both atmospheric and deeply moving. The return of the lost child brings with it complications and revelations that challenge the very fabric of the families involved, making this a beguiling tale full of twists and turns.

Reviews
Mike Finn's Fiction · 2021-07-11
beautiful 4.50

The book is praised for its emotional depth and beautiful descriptions, blending ideas and heartfelt moments. The river serves as a central, almost magical element that enhances the storytelling.

This reviewer was deeply moved by the emotional depth and the vivid descriptions of the river, which they felt added a magical quality to the story. They appreciated how the book balances ideas with heartfelt moments, making it a rich and engaging read. The characters and their journeys were particularly compelling, drawing the reviewer into the narrative. Overall, they found the book to be a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of human connections and the power of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    This is a book filled as much with emotions as ideas.

    There is beauty, not just in the descriptions of the river but in the hearts, imagination

    The river serves as a central, almost magical element that enhances the storytelling.

The People's Friend · Kirsty · 2020-07-02
captivating 4.00

The book is described as a long and twisty read that never feels slow or dull. The reviewer enjoyed the intricate plot and the way the story unfolds.

Kirsty found Once Upon a River to be a captivating read that kept her engaged despite its length. She appreciated the twisty plot and the way the story unfolds, never feeling slow or dull. The characters and their interactions were particularly enjoyable, and she found the overall narrative to be engaging and well-paced. Kirsty's mother, who gifted her the book, also enjoyed it, which added a personal touch to her review.

Quick quotes

    It's a long, twisty read — but it never plods along.

    The characters and their interactions were particularly enjoyable.

    The overall narrative was engaging and well-paced.

The Guardian · 2019-01-25
wholesome 3.50

The book is noted for its wholesome portrayal of characters and its bold storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the simplicity and goodness of the primary characters.

This reviewer found Once Upon a River to be a refreshing and wholesome read, with primary characters that are portrayed as good people. They appreciated the bold strokes used to draw these characters and the simplicity of their goodness. The story's blending of folklore and science, along with its rich atmosphere, was also highlighted as a strong point. Overall, the reviewer found the book to be a heartwarming and engaging exploration of human nature.

Quick quotes

    Once Upon a River is a considerably more wholesome affair.

    The primary characters are all good people, drawn in bold strokes without much complexity.

    The story's blending of folklore and science, along with its rich atmosphere, was also highlighted as a strong point.

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